Omicron variant was in Europe before it was detected in South Africa, Dutch health agency says
Dutch health officials say the coronavirus omicron variant was in Europe before South Africa reported it to the World Health Organization.
IKEA renting tiny home in Tokyo for less than $1 per month
IKEA family members have a shot at renting a Tokyo-based tiny home that will cost less than $1 per month to rent.
Wife of Mexican drug lord 'El Chapo' sentenced to 3 years in prison on US charges
The wife of Mexican drug kingpin Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman was sentenced Tuesday to three years in prison after pleading guilty to helping her husband run his multibillion-dollar criminal empire.
Barbados cuts ties with Queen Elizabeth II, becomes republic for 1st time
Barbados has stopped pledging allegiance to Queen Elizabeth II and officially became a republic. A ceremony was attended by Prince Charles and Rihanna.
Spain's La Palma volcano spewing new lava, posing more threats to evacuees
The eruption on the island, which lies on the western end of the Canary Islands archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, began on Sept. 19.
WHO says omicron variant poses 'very high risk'
The U.N. health agency, in a technical paper issued to member states, said "considerable uncertainties” remain about the variant that was first detected days ago in southern Africa.
Omicron shows need for global accord on pandemics, WHO chief says
The WHO is pushing for an international accord to help prevent future pandemics amid the emergence of the new omicron COVID-19 variant.
Two cases of Omicron variant detected in Canada, govt says
Two cases of the omicron variant of the coronavirus, first detected in Southern Africa last week, have been confirmed in Canada, provincial health officials said on Sunday.
‘Chanukah Sameach’ : Biden recognizes Hanukkah 2021 with well wishes
“From our family to yours, and from the People’s House to your own homes, Jill and I wish you and your loved ones a Chanukah Sameach, a Happy Hanukkah!” President Joe Biden said in a statement.
WHO disagrees with flight bans over omicron variant
WHO's regional director for Africa, Matshidiso Moeti, called on countries to follow science and international health regulations in order to avoid using travel restrictions.
Canada is latest country to confirm cases of omicron variant
Canada is among several countries Sunday to report omicron cases. Canada said its two known cases are linked to travel from Nigeria.
Peru struck by magnitude-7.5 earthquake, USGS says
The quake occurred at 5:52 a.m. (1052 GMT) and its epicenter was in the Amazon region, 42 kilometers (26 miles) north northwest of the city of Barranca. It had a magnitude of 7.5, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
Avenue of the Sphinxes: Egypt unveils renovated ancient promenade
After spending the last 50 years excavating the Avenue of the Sphinxes, Egypt put it on display Thursday in a made-for-tv event few cultures could rival.
South African doctor says omicron variant symptoms ‘unusual but mild’
Dr. Angelique Coetzee, a board member of the South African Medical Association, said the COVID-19 omicron variant reported that it presents "unusual but mild" symptoms.
Omicron variant emerges in more countries as world on high alert
In the U.S., Dr. Anthony Fauci, the government’s top infectious diseases expert, said he would not be surprised if the omicron variant was already in the United States, too.
Omicron: South African scientists brace for wave propelled by variant
The country’s numbers are still relatively low, but omicron’s speed in infecting young South Africans alarms experts.
Fauci says omicron variant could be ‘red flag,’ urges COVID-19 boosters for all
“I keep saying it over and over, the next couple of months are going to be up to us. I mean, we, right now, have a tool, a very effective tool,” Dr. Anthony Fauci said, urging vaccination amid news of the worrying new omicron variant.
Ukraine leader alleges Russia-backed coup planned for next week
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is alleging that his country’s intelligence service has uncovered plans for a Russia-backed coup d’etat in Ukraine next week that involves one of the country’s richest oligarchs.
Omicron variant: World races to contain new 'highly transmissible' COVID-19 strain
The world is racing to contain a new coronavirus variant that is potentially more dangerous than the one that has fueled waves of infection on nearly every continent.
US, Canada, EU, Japan restrict South Africa travel over Omicron variant
Advisers to the World Health Organization held a special session Friday to flesh out information about the worrying new variant of the coronavirus that has been detected in South Africa.